Cristiano Ronaldo's 2007/08 season with Manchester United has emerged as the most celebrated Ballon d'Or-winning campaign in a new all-time fan poll. The poll, called the Ballon d'Or Of All Time (B.O.A.T.), was launched to mark the 70th anniversary of the prestigious individual award. Ronaldo's 2008 triumph topped the poll, beating his long-time rival Lionel Messi, whose 2012 campaign ranked second.
Ronaldo's 2007/08 campaign was one of the most productive individual seasons in Manchester United's history. At just 23, he scored 42 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, helping Sir Alex Ferguson's side win both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. His transformation from an exciting winger into a devastating goalscorer reached a new level during that campaign.
Ronaldo's contribution helped Manchester United secure their 10th Premier League title, finishing ahead of Chelsea after a closely contested race that went down to the final day. He also finished as the Champions League's leading scorer with eight goals, including a crucial header against Chelsea in the final in Moscow.
The triumph delivered the Champions League trophy to United and completed a memorable season in which Ronaldo became one of the most influential players in world football. His performances earned him the 2008 Ballon d'Or, making him the first Manchester United player to win the award since George Best in 1968.
Although Ronaldo's 2008 season won the poll, Messi's 2012 campaign remains one of the most extraordinary individual scoring performances the sport has witnessed. Messi scored 91 goals for club and country during the calendar year, setting a record that has become a defining feature of his legacy.
The B.O.A.T. initiative invited fans to select the greatest season among players who had won the Ballon d'Or at least twice. The voting process differed from the traditional Ballon d'Or, which is determined through a system involving football journalists. The B.O.A.T. initiative relied on public participation, with reports indicating that each vote cost €1.
Ronaldo's legacy continues to inspire debate, with his 2008 season remaining a compelling benchmark because it combined individual excellence with major team success. He won the Premier League, the Champions League, the European Golden Shoe and the Ballon d'Or in the same campaign, while also earning recognition from fellow professionals.
Key points
- Cristiano Ronaldo's 2007/08 season with Manchester United has been voted the most celebrated Ballon d'Or-winning campaign in a new all-time fan poll.
- Lionel Messi's 2012 campaign ranked second in the poll.
- The B.O.A.T. initiative relied on public participation, with reports indicating that each vote cost €1.
